One big piece of news that broke last week could have major implications on the NASCAR Xfinity Series field.
No, I’m not talking about the news that Tyler Reddick will join 23XI Racing in 2024. I’m talking about the second piece of news that broke: that Ty Dillon and Petty GMS Motorsports have agreed to part ways following the conclusion of the 2022 season.
That announcement has an even bigger impact on what the Xfinity Series will look like in 2023 than Kyle Busch’s future with Joe Gibbs Racing, as there is only one logical replacement: Ty Gibbs. Let’s focus on the open No. 42 Petty GMS Chevrolet ride and which current Xfinity regulars could find themselves NASCAR Cup Series racing in ’23.
Noah Gragson
Gragson is likely on several teams’ shortlists for 2023. He is an excellent candidate for a Cup ride with immense talent. With the Petty GMS ride opening up, he now has three potential landing spots, with the other two being Stewart-Haas Racing’s No. 10 and Kaulig Racing’s No. 16.
While he’ll likely carry the Road America incident for the foreseeable future, Gragson is nonetheless talented. He holds a strong relationship with Bass Pro Shops, which could follow him in some capacity. Additional sponsorship dollars could benefit Petty GMS, which only emphasizes Gragson’s evaluation. And his other main sponsor, Black Rifle Coffee Company, is already a sponsor on the No. 42, so you know they’re already sold on him.
Noah Gragson was fined $35,000, docked 30 points and his team was docked 30 points as well for this on-track incident.
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I believe it’s safe to say that Gragson has achieved more than Dillon in his NASCAR career. While Gragson would essentially be a green Cup driver, he would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the No. 42. And not only on the track — JR Motorsports is a well-run operation. He can share nuances with the No. 42 team that have made JRM the powerhouse that it is.
Josh Berry
It isn’t easy to imagine Berry driving for another owner besides Dale Earnhardt Jr., but he is a prime candidate for a Cup team.
In 2021, he made 22 combined starts in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports and Jordan Anderson Racing. His assimilation into the series, from his first race at Daytona International Speedway to his first career…
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